An inside look at living, studying and working at Cal Poly.

Inside Cal Poly

<p>The Performing Arts Center has embarked on an exciting journey of transformation dedicated to enhancing the patron experience.</p>
<p>This remarkable endeavor has encompassed a myriad of projects, including the installation of plush new carpets, adding captivating artwork installations and vibrant posters in the lobbies, a complete overhaul of the ticketing system and website, and the commencement of the Trust Automation Plaza enhancement project. It&#8217;s an exhilarating time for all who appreciate the performing arts.</p>
<p>“We have many construction projects in progress that we hope will work together to create a more welcoming, vibrant, and creative space for patrons to come and enjoy live performing arts entertainment,” Performing Arts Center Director Ryan Gruss said.</p>
<p>In an ongoing commitment to ensuring the Performing Arts Center is accessible for all, they have partnered with KultureCity to make the venue Sensory Inclusive.</p>
<p>The KultureCity certification process ensures Performing Arts Center staff are trained annually on how to recognize those guests with sensory needs such as autism, dementia, and PTSD, as well as how to handle a sensory overload situation.</p>
<p>A few additions that were instituted to help include KultureCity Sensory Bags that come equipped with noise-canceling headphones, fidget tools, verbal cue cards, and KCVIP lanyards. These will be available to all guests at the Performing Arts Center who may feel overwhelmed by this new environment.</p>
<p>Various Headphone Zones, which are for loud areas, and a Quiet Area are located throughout the building. Prior to visiting, guests can download the free KultureCity® App to get a social story to prepare for their visit to the Performing Arts Center and where to access sensory features.</p>
<p>“We’re thrilled to partner with KultureCity to make the Performing Arts Center more accessible for all,” Director of Patron and Volunteer Services Milly Barizo said. “KultureCity’s training has educated our team and given us the tools to assist guests with sensory needs that may have previously not been able to attend.”</p>
<p>The interior of the Performing Arts Center has also gotten a fresh new look. This starts with new carpet throughout the building and the addition of several art installations by Santa Barbara artist Kellen Meyer. This includes a piece hanging in the atrium.</p>
<p>The installation is part of an initiative to support art of all forms and contribute to a warm, artistic atmosphere throughout the space. A large TV and event posters will be displayed throughout the lobby to create a more dynamic space and showcase upcoming productions.</p>
<p>Early last year the Cal Poly Ticket Office migrated their ticketing system to a new platform that has allowed for several improvements in the purchase process. This change includes the capability to do online subscription orders and renewals for the first time ever. In the first year, 70% of subscriptions were taken online. The Preforming Arts Center website also underwent an upgrade that has significantly improved the user experience.</p>
<p>Construction on the Trust Automation Plaza is nearly complete. Thanks to the generous donation provided by Ty and Trudie Safreno and Trust Automation, the outdoor plaza at the PAC is undergoing an enhancement to add an oasis with trees, tables, seating, and cinematic lights to be used by students, faculty and staff, and PAC patrons. This will bring a new and refreshing ambience. The Trust Automation Plaza is scheduled to open this winter.</p>


Revolutionizing the Performing Arts Center Experience: Sensory Inclusivity, Artful Upgrades, and More


<h1 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Welcome to your new #SLOme</strong></h1>



<p><em>For the uninitiated, #SLOme is a popular hashtag Cal Poly students use on social media to describe their new home in San Luis Obispo. What follows are the activities that are on the top of most students’ bucket list while they’re completing their academic studies.</em></p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">1) Hit the beach</h2>



<p>Located in the middle of the Central Coast, San Luis Obispo is surrounded by multiple beaches known for their unique natural beauty. Avila Beach is one of the most popular amongst Cal Poly students and is home to the Cal Poly Pier. Be it checking out the pier during their annual open house, surfing at Morro Rock, hiking at Montaña de Oro, or simply catching the sunset, spending time on the Central Coast is one of students’ favorite activities.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">2) Step outside</h2>



<p>For the outdoors type, San Luis Obispo is a hiking heaven. Some of students’ favorite places to hike are actually on Cal Poly’s campus. By hiking to Poly Canyon, students can get inspired on a hike through Architecture Graveyard or soar over San Luis Obispo on a hike to the Serenity Swing. After your adventure, you can refuel at one of the Campus Dining venues in Poly Canyon Village, (PCV, as it is called by students).</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">3) Taste the “SLO” life</h2>



<p>Every Thursday night, live music fills the streets, and the culture of downtown San Luis Obispo comes alive for the weekly Farmers’ Market. Students can enjoy local fare and fresh produce from the Central Coast including Cal Poly Farms. While you’re downtown, you can make your mark in the iconic Bubblegum Alley and drop by Cal Poly Downtown to stock up on Cal Poly student-made products.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">4) Go for a ride</h2>



<p>With Cal Poly’s commitment to sustainability and reduced parking on campus, biking is an environmentally-friendly and convenient way to get around campus. For students looking to add more adventure to their bike route, there are numerous mountain biking trails throughout San Luis Obispo. And for those looking for excitement after the sun goes down, Bike Night happens the first Thursday of every month. Cal Poly students and San Luis Obispo community members are invited to dress in wacky attire and pedal throughout downtown.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">5) Take a funky class</h2>



<p>Not all college classes mean you have to hit the books. With Cal Poly’s “Learn by Doing” approach, students have the opportunity to learn unique new skills. You can try out a fun course in chocolate-making, beekeeping, tractor-driving and bowling — to name a few. With student-made chocolates and honey sold at the University Store and the bowling alley attached to Mustang Station, classes never tasted so good.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">6) Escape it all</h2>



<p>Break away from your day-to-day routine and experience incredible new adventures through Poly Escapes. Located at the Recreation Center, Poly Escapes offers 20 student-led outdoor trips each quarter as well as daily rentals for outdoor equipment. From backpacking, to rafting, to ice climbing — there’s no shortage of opportunities to add adventure to your school year. Just don’t forget to pack a water bottle or sunscreen. You can find both in abundance at the University Store.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">7) Rock out</h2>



<p>Just steps from the dorms, the Cal Poly Performing Arts Center (PAC) showcases theater and live concerts from world-famous performers. Prefer an outdoor venue? Associated Students, Inc. (ASI) hosts weekly concerts in the University Union plaza outside of the University Store as well as the highly-anticipated Spring Stampede event, featuring high-profile artists like T-Pain and Flosstradamus.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">8) Be a farmer, for an hour or two</h2>



<p>Treat yourself to fresh seasonal fruits straight from the vine at Cal Poly Farms through “U-Pick,” which offers weekly opportunities to pick your own Cal Poly grown fruits. If you can’t make it out to the agriculture fields, don’t worry. Cal Poly produce is served at Campus Dining locations and is often available for purchase at Campus Market and Village Market.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">9) Get sporty</h2>



<p>With tortillas flying through the air and students decked out in green and gold, the Blue-Green rivalry soccer game is one of the most iconic sporting events of the year. In fact, the annual match against UCSB has been called the single greatest rivalry in NCAA soccer history. But it’s not just soccer that brings out the Mustang spirit, from football tailgates to joining an intramural sports team, there are plenty of ways to get sporty. To gear up, head into the University Store for a wide selection of Mustang spirit wear.</p>



<p><em>To get more tips and the latest news from Cal Poly Corporation delivered to your inbox, subscribe at</em>&nbsp;<a href="http://calpolycorporation.org/news"><em>calpolycorporation.org/news</em></a></p>


9 Things to do at Cal Poly


<p><strong>It’s no secret that California is the dominant produce-growing state in the U.S., thanks to our glorious year-round Mediterranean climate. Luckily, there are lots of local options right in our backyard. Campus Dining sources from more than 100 local vendors. By buying local, we help ensure that family farms in our community continue to thrive. It’s a practice that has earned Campus Dining recognition from the California Higher Education Sustainability Conference — the only university in California to receive such an honor.</strong></p>



<figure class="wp-block-image"><img decoding="async" src="https://cdn.sanity.io/images/vm929t16/production/f075555dd189d6c1bf677fea35f70abba241efe0-800x890.jpg?w=675&amp;h=751&amp;fit=crop" alt="Rancho La Familia, Inc."/></figure>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Rancho La Familia, Inc.</h3>



<p><em>Santa Maria, CA</em></p>



<p>A small, family farm located in Santa Barbara County, Rancho La Familia grows certified organic strawberries, blackberries, raspberries, blueberries and an assortment of vegetables. Produce is picked daily at the height of flavor, providing Cal Poly students with healthful, delicious choices.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image"><img decoding="async" src="https://cdn.sanity.io/images/vm929t16/production/b94c9204e8dc4848fe9cc18886defcaafe462616-800x877.jpg?w=675&amp;h=740&amp;fit=crop" alt="Edna’s Bakery"/></figure>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Edna’s Bakery</h3>



<p><em>San Luis Obispo, CA</em></p>



<p>Nothing tastes better than fresh baked goods. And nothing is fresher than Edna’s Bakery. Located in San Luis Obispo, Edna’s Bakery delivers fresh, out-of-the-oven pastries, breads and desserts to Cal Poly every morning. One bite of a sandwich made with Edna’s soft delectable bread and students can appreciate the difference eating local makes.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image"><img decoding="async" src="https://cdn.sanity.io/images/vm929t16/production/59c661d6689b18dbfb619556cada52425e2e7d6b-800x893.jpg?w=675&amp;h=753&amp;fit=crop" alt="Cal Poly Organic Farm"/></figure>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Cal Poly Organic Farm</h3>



<p><em>San Luis Obispo, CA</em></p>



<p>The Cal Poly Farm is an 11-acre Learn By Doing program located right on campus. Students get hands on experience in all aspects of certified organic farming from planning to planting to growing to harvesting to selling. A Campus Dining favorite is Cal Poly Farm’s strawberries. They get an “A” for sweetness.</p>



<p><em>For a complete list of local vendors, visit</em>&nbsp;<a href="http://calpolydining.com/sustainability/localvenders"><em>calpolydining.com/sustainability/localvenders</em></a></p>


Tag: San Luis Obispo

Revolutionizing the Performing Arts Center Experience: Sensory Inclusivity, Artful Upgrades, and More

9 Things to do at Cal Poly

Eat Local